The Ultimate Peru Itinerary for 10 Days

The Ultimate Peru Itinerary for 10 Days

Are you visiting Peru for the first time and looking for the perfect Peru Itinerary?

We’ve put together a 10-day Peru Itinerary that includes the popular attractions, the best tours, and some hidden gems.

Take a trip to this magical country from Lima to Cusco, visit the famous Machu Picchu, and discover Peru’s other beautiful sights.

Our Peru Travel Guide includes the best places to visit, how to get there, where to stay, and the best things to do in Peru.

You’ll also find all the useful tips and information you need to plan your Peru Itinerary.

Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through our link. This is a free way to support us and allow us to continue to create inspiring travel guides.

Where is Peru

Peru is located in the western part of South America, which can easily be combined with Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, and Chile.

Why Visit Peru?

The short answer is because of Machu Picchu.

But this beautiful country is much more than that. Hike the Rainbow Mountain, explore the Peruvian Amazon, visit the Desert Oasis of Huacachina, take a boat tour around the Ballestas Islands, and see the famous Nazca Lines.

In our opinion, Peru is worth a visit, and you won’t be disappointed by the country’s diversity.

Are you spending limited time in Peru but want to make the most of your visit? Book the best 6-day Peru Tour, including a visit to Machu Picchu.

Recommended post → Best Places to Visit in Peru

Is it Safe to Travel to Peru?

Yes, traveling to Peru is generally safe! The Peruvians are very friendly.

However, small thefts or pickpockets may happen in tourist areas and on public transport. So always take care of your valuables!

Don’t forget to buy travel insurance for your Peru Itinerary! We always choose SafetyWing for our travels.

In Lima, we recommend using a trustworthy taxi company.

The weather in Peru can change rapidly, and natural disasters such as floods can occur. So avoid visiting during the rainy season, as the hiking trails are unsafe!

Good to know
Violent protests and demonstrations may happen in some regions of Peru!

Therefore, always watch local news, avoid places where there is widespread civil unrest and follow the recommendations of local authorities!

See also → Best Day Trips from Cusco

Best Time to Visit Peru

The country has different climates in each region (semi-arid, desert, or subtropical highland climate). So your packing list for Peru Itinerary should include swimwear, warm clothes, and a raincoat.

Peru can be visited all year round because the weather is hot and humid.

But the best time to visit Peru is during the dry season between May and October. During the day, temperatures can be between 13-26°C.

The busiest months are from June to August.

TIP
In high season we strongly recommend booking accommodation and tours in advance!

The rainy season runs from November to April but is still ideal for visiting Lima.

You can visit Peru in the rainy season for the low prices and to avoid crowds, but we don’t recommend it.

Because Machu Picchu may be covered in fog, hiking trails (Classic Inca Trail, Salkantay Trek) may be closed due to weather conditions, especially in February!

TIP
If you can, add extra days to your Peru Itinerary and discover the country’s highlights at your comfortable pace.

Recommended post → Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Hike

Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Peru?

Probably not. Citizens of the U.S., Canada, South America, Australia, and Europe don’t need a visa to travel to Peru.

Use iVisa to check if you need a tourist visa for Peru and apply for an e-visa online.

Peru Entry Requirements

• Valid passport (must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry and have two blank pages)
• Sufficient funds to cover your Peru Trip Itinerary.
• Return or onward flight ticket within 90 days.

Keep reading → Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu

How to Get to Peru

Visitors usually enter Peru by air or land (Bolivia Hop).

Most travelers to Peru arrive at Jorge Chavez International Airport (airport code LIM), as you can get cheap flights to Lima.

There are many direct flights to Lima from Europe, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, the United States, and other international countries with easy connections.

If you are already in Peru, you can also take a short domestic flight from Cusco, Iquitos, or Arequipa to Lima.

TIP
Use Skyscanner to get cheap flights to Lima, Peru.

What is the Best Way to Getting Around Peru?

Are you wondering how to visit Peru? The best way to get around Peru is to take the Peru Hop (hop-on, hop-off bus system) or the Cruz del Sur company (public buses).

Buy your bus tickets here.

Some travelers rent a car in Peru, but we don’t recommend this option as buses are affordable, comfortable, and safe.

The roads are winding and narrow, the driving time is long, and parking space is limited in the towns, making it not worth driving on the Peru Itinerary!

Otherwise, if your time in Peru is limited, you can easily reach your destinations with domestic flights or join organized tours.

See also → Best Things to Do in Paracas

How Much Does it Cost for 10 Days in Peru?

Peru is an affordable country, but transport and programs are expensive.

Budget travelers will spend around 60-80 USD per day.

The Peru budget costs depend on the mode of transport, which accommodation you prefer, and how much you are willing to pay for restaurants or cafes. Prices are even higher during the peak season (from June to August), so avoid these months if you want to save money!

TIP
Save money, avoid ATM transaction fees when going abroad, and pay in local currency with a Wise Card.

More about Peru → Cusco Itinerary

Peru Travel Costs

• Accommodation: 100 USD
• Food: 180 USD
• Transport: 400 USD (Getting to Machu Picchu by train and bus is expensive.)
• Activities: 170 USD (For most attractions, you will need to buy an entrance fee or join an organized or private tour.)

A 10 days trip to Peru will cost between 600-800 USD per person.

Important note
Buy your ticket to Machu Picchu at least 1 month in advance and bring your passport when you visit!

Peru Itinerary Map

The Ultimate Peru Itinerary for 10 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Lima, Peru

Welcome to Peru! We hope you had a great flight and are ready to explore this magical country! Lima is the perfect place to start your Peru Itinerary.

Buy an eSIM and data package for Peru.

Wondering what to do in Peru’s capital?

Stroll around the Miraflores and Barranco neighborhoods, shop at the Indian Market, relax in the Parque Del Amor park, or explore Huaca Pucllana. Join a Miraflores, Barranco and San Isidro small group tour HERE.

We don’t recommend skipping Lima, but if your time is limited in Peru, you can fly directly to Cusco after arriving.

TIP
Make the most of your visit to Lima and book a combined Huacachina and Paracas tour via Viator. This tour is one of the most reviewed, so you will not be disappointed.

Recommended post → Best Things to Do in Lima

Where to Stay in Lima

It is recommended to stay in Miraflores, Barranco and San Isidro instead of Lima city center.

As these Lima’s neighborhoods are safe, and you can easily explore the sights on foot.

Best hotels in Lima

• Luxury: Miraflores Park, A Belmond Hotel
• Mid-Range: Dazzler Lima
• Budget: Selina Miraflores Lima

TIP
Add an extra day to your Peru Itinerary and explore downtown Lima.

Day 2: Paracas

Good morning! It’s time to continue your Peru Itinerary!

Check out from your accommodation, have breakfast, and travel by bus to Paracas.

Get Bus Tickets here.

The distance between Lima and Paracas is 3.5-4 hours, depending on traffic.

Paracas is a popular destination in Peru, so you can’t miss it on your Peru Itinerary.

This small port town is home to the beautiful Ballestas Islands, also known as the “Poor Man’s Galapagos”.

Book your tour of the Ballestas Islands & Paracas National Reserve.

TIP
If you like fish dishes, you must try the national dish of Peru, Ceviche.

Recommended post → What to Do in Paracas

Where to Stay in Paracas

Although Paracas is a small town, the accommodation options are available for all budgets.

Best hotels in Paracas

• Luxury: Hotel Paracas
• Mid-Range: DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Paracas
• Budget: Kokopelli Paracas Hostel

Day 3: Huacachina

We traveled from Paracas directly to Huacachina by Peru Hop, and the journey took about 1.5 hours.

Good to know
If you want to reach Huacachina by public bus from Lima, we recommend the Cruz del Sur bus company. Get Bus Tickets here.

Are you ready for one of the highlights of your Peru Itinerary?

Huacachina is a unique desert oasis in Peru, surrounded by the highest sand dunes in South America.

Enjoy the beautiful sunsets and sunrises, discover the sand dunes, join a buggy tour, or go sandboarding.

Finish your first day in Huacachina with a perfect sunset experience.

TIP
Book a full-day trip from Lima to Paracas and Huacachina, which includes the Pisco Vineyard tour HERE.

Read our → Guide to Huacachina

Where to Stay in Huacachina

If you have a rental car, you can stay in Ica, 15 minutes away, but we think Huacachina is a better choice.

Best hotels in Huacachina

• Luxury: Ecocamp Huacachina
• Mid-Range: Banana’s Adventure Hostel Huacachina
• Budget: Wild Rover Huacachina

Day 4-5: Arequipa – Hidden Gem on your Peru Itinerary

We traveled from Huacachina to Arequipa by Peru Hop. The bus journey between Huacachina and Arequipa takes around 12-14 hours, depending on traffic.

Get Bus Tickets here.

Arequipa is one of the most underrated travel destinations in Peru. But Arequipa is well worth a visit on your Peru Itinerary.

Wondering what to do in Arequipa?

Visit Mundo Alpaca, take a day trip to Colca Canyon, enjoy the beautiful panoramic view from Yanahuara viewpoint, and wander around the Santa Catalina Monastery.

TIP
Book the best Colca Canyon tours via Viator, where you can get great prices.

Recommended post → Best Things to Do in Arequipa

On the way to Arequipa, we took a Pisco Vineyard Tour. Later we stopped at the famous Nazca Lines, which was a fantastic experience.

From the Nazca Lines Viewing Tower, you can enjoy the beautiful landscape. If you are planning a flight over the Nazca Lines, you should spend a night in Nazca.

Good to know
Arequipa is the perfect place to get used to the altitude of 2,335 meters before heading to Cusco and Machu Picchu.

Where to Stay in Arequipa

We recommend you choose a hotel near Plaza de Armas, as you will be closer to restaurants and sights.

Best hotels in Arequipa

• Luxury: Cirqa – Relais & Châteaux
• Mid-Range: Hotel Los Tambos Boutique
• Budget: Le Foyer Arequipa

Day 6-8: Cusco

From Arequipa, we took the Cruz del Sur overnight bus to Cusco. The journey takes 10-11 hours, depending on traffic.

Bus tickets between Arequipa and Cusco start from 20 USD, and we recommend you buy your tickets online.

Cusco is one of the best places to visit in South America and the perfect place to end your Peru Itinerary.

For the perfect experience, book the best of Cusco in 3 days or choose an epic 4-day tour.

Altitude Sickness in Cusco, Peru

Plan your Cusco Itinerary to go slow on the first day, with a comfortable pace to discover the city.

Some people may experience mild symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, or heavy breathing.

Avoid altitude sickness in Peru! So drink plenty of water and coca tea, and avoid alcohol.

Cusco is the perfect base for day trips to Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, Sacred Valley, and Humantay Lake.

Chewing coca leaves or drinking coca tea is good for altitude sickness.

Good to know
There are coca leaves in every hotel in Cusco, so have a cup of coca tea before you start sightseeing or hiking!

Recommended post → Best Things to Do in Cusco

Sacred Valley

After exploring the historic center of Cusco on the first day, you can go on a Sacred Valley tour today.

A must-do in Peru is a visit to the Sacred Valley. It is famous for its unique attractions, historic towns, and important archaeological sites.

Book a multi-day tour, including Machu Picchu.

Walk around the Chinchero Ruins, enjoy the best view at Ollantaytambo, visit the Maras Salt Mines, buy Peruvian souvenirs, and explore the Moray Terraces.

Take a day trip from Cusco and discover the most beautiful sights of the Sacred Valley.

TIP
Add an extra day to your Peru Itinerary and visit beautiful Humantay Lake.

Recommended post → How to Visit Sacred Valley

Rainbow Mountain – Popular Destination on your Peru Itinerary

If you are following this Peru Itinerary, we recommend you visit Rainbow Mountain.

Good morning! Get up early and take a day trip from Cusco to the colorful Rainbow Mountain! Book your Cusco Rainbow Mountain Tour.

The pick-up time usually starts between 3-4 AM, but it’s worth it!

One of the most popular activities after visiting Machu Picchu is hiking on Rainbow Mountain.

There are two beautiful rainbow mountains in Peru, so if you’re in a limited time in Cusco, you’ll have to decide which one to visit.

The most popular is Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, which is always crowded. Therefore we chose the Palccoyo Alternative Rainbow Mountain.

For the perfect experience, book the best of Cusco in 3 days or choose an epic 4-day tour.

Where to Stay in Cusco

If you don’t want to walk a lot or use a taxi, we recommend you stay near the historic center (Plaza de Armas).

But the San Blas area also offers fantastic accommodations, about 15-20 minutes walk away.

Best hotels in Cusco

• Luxury: JW Marriott El Convento Cusco
• Mid-Range: Taypikala Hotel Cusco
• Budget: Wild Rover Cusco

Day 9: Machu Picchu

Good morning! Every best Peru Itinerary includes a visit to the incredible Machu Picchu.

Take a day trip from Cusco to Machu Picchu and see one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

It is good to know that you cannot travel directly from Cusco to Machu Picchu.

The quickest and most comfortable way is to take the train to Aguas Calientes and then the bus to Machu Picchu. Alternatively, hike the Classic Inca Trail.

From Cusco (Poroy station), we took the PeruRail Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes town (Machu Picchu).

We recommend exploring Aguas Calientes after arrival, buying your bus tickets to Machu Picchu, spending a night at the accommodation, and visiting the world-famous Inca Ruins at sunrise.

Make the most of your visit and book day trips from Cusco to Machu Picchu via Viator. This tour is one of the most reviewed, so you will not be disappointed.

We have a detailed post on how to visit Machu Picchu with all the information you need.

Where to Stay in Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu Pueblo, also known as Aguas Calientes, is the closest town to the Inca Citadel.

Best hotels in Aguas Calientes, Peru

• Luxury: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
• Mid-Range: Hatun Inti Boutique
• Budget: Supertramp Hostel Machupicchu

TIP
If you are only planning a day trip to Machu Picchu, you should choose accommodation in Ollantaytambo or Cusco.

Day 10: Fly Home or Continue your Peru Itinerary

We hope you enjoyed your visit to Peru! But it’s time to leave Cusco and travel back to Lima.

Do you have more time in Peru? Make the most of your Peru Itinerary, visit the Peruvian Amazon, and take a 3-day tour in Iquitos.

Our Peru Itinerary ends where it began. Go back to Jorge Chavez International Airport, and fly home.

The easiest way to get from Cusco to Lima is to take a short domestic flight. Cusco is just a 1.5-hour flight from Lima.

Use Skyscanner to get cheap flights to Cusco, Peru.

Good to know
You can easily modify our Peru Itinerary to extend or reduce the days. Most people take a 7 or 14 days Peru Itinerary on their first visit.

We hope our 10-day Peru Itinerary will help you plan your next trip. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comments below.

Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
Travel Insurance – SafetyWing
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Transfer – Bookaway

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